DAULATABAD(HAZRAT SYEDNA S. BAHAUDDIN ANSARI) URS 2016

DAULATABAD(HAZRAT SYEDNA S. BAHAUDDIN ANSARI) URS 2016 DAULATABAD DISTRCT AURANGABAD MAHARASHTRA Langotbandh Baba Baha’uddin Ansari Qalandar-e-Haq Shaikh Baha’u-d Din Ansari was born at Jindh in Haryana, India. Legend states that he was born wearing a loincloth around his waist and that is the reason he is fondly addressed as “Langotbandh Baba”. His Travels Not much is known of his youth and education. But he is said to have possessed an insatiable desire to attain gnosis [ma’rifa] of Allah. He travelled far and wide and eventually reached Baghdad in his quest for Divine Knowledge. He visited the tomb of Muhyiddin ‘Abdul Qadir al-Jilani where veils were lifted and he attained his Goal. After being made a Caliph [khalifa] of the Qadiriyyah Tariqah, he returned back to India. Despite his desire for obscurity, his contemporaries recognised his greatness. The renowned Chishti master, Gesu-Daraz Bande-Nawaz Khwaja Sayyid Muhammad al-Husaini of Gulbarga, reportedly praised him as “A great Majzub!” His Miracles He reached a high rank in spirituality and, like his predecessors, exhibited many miraculous exploits [karamat] which continue to this day. There is a story of a disciple getting drowned in the high sea in his boat. He yelled the name of Langotbandh Baba who rescued him from the impending calamity with Allah’s leave. Ardent devotees continue to visit his shrine to seek his intercession [wasila] to Allah, Most High, to fulfil their needs and to remove their distress. One such visitor, Ghulam Muhammad Qadiri of Pune, reports that he had been struck by paralysis of his legs. On visiting the shrine, his legs fully recovered. His Passing Records state that he passed away on 12 Dhu-l Hijjah 920 AH / 1515 CE. His anniversary [‘Urs] is commemorated in a large scale with fairs and special prayers by the hereditary Mutwali families who look after the Dargah. May Allah be well pleased with Langotbandh Baba, and bless us for his sake. Location of Resting Abode The dargah is located outside the fort of Daulatabad, about 27 kms from Aurangabad city. It is located by the side of the highway and there are no settlements to be found in the immediate vicinity. The area falls within the precinct of Abdimandi village, which is home to both Hindu and Muslim populace. Description of Resting Abode The dargah is over 500 years old. It is situated in a large compound surrounded by ornate walls and a large gate. There is a water pool in front of the shrine for visitors to make ablution. The main tomb contains Langotbandh Baba’s grave. Next to him is the grave of a disciple named Ibrahim Erchi. Apart from the sepulchre, there is a rest-house by the side with rooms for visitors. There is also a mosque. The recent addition to the complex is a madrasa called “Faizane Gausia”.